Foundation continues wheelchair giveaway
The CNMI-Wheelchair Foundation continued its distribution of free wheelchairs at the East-West Rental warehouse on Middle Road yesterday.
The distribution took place at 10am.
Local coordinator David Ayres said the remaining items that were given out were sizes 12, 14, and 16.
A total of 280 new wheelchairs arrived on Saipan for free distribution to eligible CNMI residents.
“The goal is to give every child, teen, and adult who can’t afford one. There’s a lot of them here,” said Ayres.
Ayres said the CNMI office had successfully raised $21,000 from local businesses and residents, which was used to pay for half of the total price. The other half was paid for by the California-based foundation.
Ayres’ team said that about 100 wheelchairs were given away last Saturday.
Saipan earlier listed 150 recipients, while Rota and Tinian have 25 recipients each.
Likewise, the local group had given five wheelchairs to the Commonwealth Health Center’s pediatrics unit, emergency room, and ward; eight pieces to the CNMI Medical Referral Program; and two were donated to the Emergency Management Office.
